墊底費
din3 dai2 fai3
In Cantonese, the word for "deductible" is 墊底費 (din3 dai2 fai3).
墊底費 is used specifically in the context of insurance policies to refer to the amount the policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company covers the remaining costs.
Meaning: eligible to be deducted (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 墊 (to pad/cushion), 底 (bottom) and 費 (fee/cost), literally meaning the 'bottom layer fee' that one must cover before insurance kicks in.
How do you pronounce it?
din3 dai2 fai3
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, 墊底 can also be used as a slang term for someone who is sacrificed or takes the fall for a group to ensure the 'top' people survive.
- The character 墊 literally refers to a cushion or mat, suggesting that the policyholder's payment acts as a 'cushion' that protects the insurance company from small claims.
- While 墊底費 is the formal term, Cantonese speakers often use 自付額 to describe the 'self-payment amount' in medical insurance contexts.
Examples in context
- 呢份保險個自付額係幾多？What is the deductible for this insurance policy?
Example conversation
Two people are discussing health insurance options.
- 子健 Tsz Kin呢個保險嘅墊底費好高。ni1 go3 bou2 him2 ge3 dim6 dai2 fai3 hou2 gou1.The deductible for this insurance is very high.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan係唔係所以月費比較平？hai6 m4 hai6 so2 ji5 jyut6 fai3 bei2 gau3 peng4?Is that why the monthly fee is cheaper?
- 子健 Tsz Kin係，但係就唔太方便。hai6, daan6 hai6 zau6 m4 tai3 fong1 bin1.Yes, but it's not very convenient.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan咁我哋搵個墊底費低啲嘅啦。gam2 ngo5 dei6 wan2 go3 dim6 dai2 fai3 dai1 di1 ge3 laa1.Then let's look for one with a lower deductible.
